Josh Hunter has been leading nighttime excursions on personal electric vehicles in Edmonton for the past five years. A diverse collection of electric-powered scooters, bikes, skateboards, and unicycles gathered at the Alberta Legislature grounds on a recent Friday evening for an early-season tour. While primarily known for their eco-friendly and affordable commuting options, personal electric vehicles (PEVs) are now gaining popularity as a social leisure activity in Canadian cities after sunset.
Although PEV Edmonton’s official season doesn’t kick off until June, warm weather and clear skies drew around two dozen riders eager for an after-hours adventure through Edmonton’s river valley pathways and streets. Describing the group as a contemporary biker gang, Hunter emphasized the inclusivity of all age groups as long as participants have a personal electric vehicle and wear a helmet, which is strictly enforced.
During the Friday night ride, many of the PEVs were customized with vibrant lights and mirrors, with owners proudly boasting about their motor wattage. Notably, not all individuals cruising on PEVs in Edmonton that evening were enthusiasts. Several groups were spotted leisurely exploring the city’s core on rental e-scooters from companies like Lime, Neuron, and Bird.
Among these riders were Habib Baalbaki and Zeinab Awada, a newlywed couple who found scooting together to be a fun date idea. Baalbaki likened the experience to “walking on steroids,” expressing excitement during his first e-scooter outing. Meanwhile, Kyson Fitzner, accompanied by friends, relished the thrill and adrenaline of nighttime rides, showcasing his skills by jumping curbs and ramps.
Companies operating rental e-scooter and e-bike programs in Canada noted a surge in ridership post-work hours. Bird’s Anastasia Rewers-Kusiak highlighted increased activity from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on weekends, particularly Friday to Sunday nights. Neuron’s Isaac Ransom pointed out that a significant portion of trips, ranging from 20 to 25 percent, occur during the nighttime economy, with many users engaging in recreational rides.
Beyond Edmonton, other cities like Ottawa, Vancouver, and Halifax host social media groups dedicated to post-sunset e-vehicle escapades. Participants, such as Kara Dejong and Trevor Neufeld from PEV Edmonton, attract attention from passersby, eliciting reactions of awe and curiosity.
Despite the growing popularity of PEVs, the Canadian Institute for Health Information highlighted a concerning rise in e-scooter-related injuries nationwide. Safety measures and regulations vary across cities, with Lime stressing safe riding practices and prohibiting riding under the influence. Enthusiasts like Neufeld emphasized personal protective gear, demonstrating a commitment to safety during their electrifying escapades.
As interest in PEVs continues to soar, riders like Damon Spence relish the weekly summertime tradition of exploring Edmonton on rental scooters with friends. The affordability and thrill of these experiences make them a sought-after recreational option for many urban dwellers.
In conclusion, the allure of nighttime e-vehicle rides extends beyond Edmonton, reflecting a broader trend of social and recreational engagement with personal electric mobility options across Canadian cities.
